Lupus Films Heads to the Hedgerows to Adapt ‘Brambly Hedge’
Skwigly
Leading London animation studio Lupus Films (The Snowman & The Snowdog, The Tiger Who Came To Tea) announced today that it has optioned the rights from the author’s estate to adapt the classic countryside stories Brambly Hedge, in a deal brokered by Rockpool Licensing.
Originally written and illustrated by Jill Barklem, the Brambly Hedge series published by HarperCollins Children’s Books has sold over seven million copies since the first release in 1980. Focusing on the delightful adventures of a hidden community of mice in the English countryside, the series’ characters have featured on products ranging from china to chocolate and stationery to figurines.
Now, on the 40th anniversary of its original publication, Lupus Films is set to bring the bucolic world of Brambly Hedge to audiences old and new. The family home and the natural world are at the heart of every Brambly Hedge story. With an embedded environmental message, the diminutive inhabitants treat their woodland and meadow homes with a mixture of respect and awe. They accept with gratitude the nourishment their surroundings provide while rejoicing in the contrasting beauties of every season. And while the Brambly Hedge characters work hard for themselves and each other, they are equally committed to throwing themselves into every opportunity or festivity, be it for a birthday picnic or a seasonal celebration.
Brambly Hedge
Lupus is initially developing the property as a Christmas special, with further episodes to follow shortly after. HarperCollins will launch a celebratory publishing programme to commemorate the 40th anniversary in October 2020.
The Brambly Hedge characters stand tail to tail with the most classic British literary characters and we cannot wait to delve into the hedgerows and fields of the British countryside to reveal the secrets and folklore of this hidden little community of animals. The Brambly Hedge world captures the best and sweetest moments of childhood and revels in the pleasure to be found in friendships, families, and the natural world.
-Ruth Fielding Joint MD, Lupus Films
We’re delighted to have teamed up with Lupus who have a fantastic track record of translating beautifully illustrated books on to the screen. 2020 is the 40th anniversary of Brambly Hedge so the timing is perfect for introducing the mice to a brand new generation.
-Lizzie Barklem, Brambly Hedge estate
Lupus Films has become renowned for its Christmas animations and hand-drawn adaptations of classic British literary works including The Snowman & The Snowdog (Channel 4), We’re Going on a Bear Hunt (Channel 4) and Ethel & Ernest (BBC One). Its most recent TV special, The Tiger Who Came To Tea (Channel 4), featured a stellar voice cast and a song by Robbie Williams and was Channel 4’s most-viewed programme after The Great British Bake Off.
Brambly Hedge will be produced by Camilla Deakin and Ruth Fielding.